Hadijah Namyalo: NRM coordinator slams 'witch-hunt' in scholarship scandal

Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, the coordinator of the National Resistance Movement's Office of the National Chairman (ONC), has refuted allegations of defrauding students promised scholarships in Iran, following her defiance of a police summons earlier today.

"I cannot be held accountable since I didn't receive the money directly. I delegated members of my staff," Namyalo told a media briefing on Tuesday.

This declaration comes amid accusations that the ONC facilitated fraudulent scholarship offers to 70 students.

The controversy erupted when students like Lawrence and Latifu (not real names), who were promised free education, accommodation, and welfare in Iran, claimed they were defrauded.

According to their statements in a phone conversation with the Nile Post, they were required to pay $800 for visa and air tickets.

They made these payments through Amaara Tours and Travels, a company owned by Esther Nankinga, an ally of the Iranian embassy.

"We were defrauded an additional $150 but have never set foot in Iran," the victims said.

Namyalo emphasized her office’s limited role in the matter.

"Our role was only to disseminate information about the scholarships to encourage participation. Any monetary transactions were handled directly by Esther Nankinga, CEO of Amaara Tours and Travels, who worked with the Iranian Embassy," she said.

Responding to the accusations, Namyalo described them as a politically motivated witch hunt.

"These accusations are a political attack from state house circles against me. Let this matter be brought before the courts of law," she challenged.

The situation remains tense with students and their families demanding justice for the alleged scam.